Book Review: Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari

Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind 

Estimated Read Time: 2-3 minutes

Do you often ask yourself: What’s really happening in the world? Why have things unfolded the way they have? What is the aim of mankind? The meaning of life has been contemplated for millennia—by Aristotle, Socrates, and Plato—and now, in a bold and ambitious exploration, historian and professor Yuval Noah Harari offers his own sweeping account of our species in Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind.

Harari, a historian at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, masterfully guides readers through the three momentous revolutions that have shaped humanity: the Cognitive Revolution, which gave Homo sapiens the ability to think and communicate in complex ways; the Agricultural Revolution, which allowed humans to settle and dominate their environment; and the Scientific Revolution, which propelled us into an era of rapid technological and societal transformation.

The book is crisp, engaging, thought-provoking, and humorous at times, challenging us to reconsider what we believe about progress, civilization, and even the very nature of happiness. Harari’s analysis is both illuminating and unsettling, revealing the slow ascent—and perhaps descent—of Homo sapiens. At times, his insights are deeply disheartening, exposing the cost of human advancement on the planet and other species. Yet, in the same breath, he offers hope, suggesting that our ability to question, innovate, and adapt could still lead to a better future.

What makes Sapiens such an impactful read is its ability to reframe history, not as a series of inevitable advancements, but as a wonderful and terrifying saga of human choices—a narrative shaped as much by myths, beliefs, and illusions as by scientific breakthroughs. Harari’s ambition is evident in his willingness to tackle big questions, and his insights often land like revelations, making this a must-read for anyone curious about humanity’s past and future.

I leave you with this sobering yet profound question from the author:"It is not the question, ‘What do we want to become?’ but rather, ‘What do we want to want?’"

Are you spooked by that question?